Netflix’s “KPOP Demon Hunters” Becomes a Global Phenomenon Expanding into Games, Theme Parks, and Merchandise

The popularity of “KPOP Demon Hunters” is rapidly spreading beyond the film into various industries. Its influence has expanded across a wide range of areas such as games, theme parks, and merchandise, demonstrating the global reach of K-POP content. The collaboration with Epic Games’ “Fortnite” showcases its impact in the gaming sector. This partnership, running from October 2 to November 1, allows gamers to participate in a new “Demon Rush Mode” where they can team up with the film’s character HUNTR/X to protect Honmun from swarms of demons. Furthermore, Fortnite creators can now use officially licensed “KPOP Demon Hunters” assets from Netflix to develop and distribute their own games. Offline experiences are also thriving. Everland opened a “KPOP Demon Hunters” themed zone on September 26 in collaboration with Netflix. Designed to let visitors experience the film through all five senses, this zone has attracted 10,000 visitors within just five days of opening, proving its immense popularity. Giant LED screens display the film’s scenes and hit songs like “Golden” and “Soda Pop” 24/7, while visitors can immerse themselves in the film’s world through demon-fighting games, costume try-ons, and dance areas. The “Snackbuster Restaurant” inside the themed zone offers K-POP-themed foods such as K-POP ramen and kimbap, along with a variety of official merchandise. This themed zone is scheduled to remain open until December. The release of official lightsticks symbolizes the integration of K-POP concert culture with the film’s content. K-POP merchandise specialist Copang Global launched official lightsticks in versions inspired by the film’s two groups, HUNTR/X and Lion Boyz, globally at the same time. These lightsticks can achieve various colors and effects through a dedicated app and wireless control, creating lighting changes by zone or wave-like light patterns to maximize fan participation at concerts. Designed to allow users to express their individuality with over 10 types of accessories such as stickers, mini hoodies, and straps, pre-orders for these products started on September 30, with global sales set to begin on November 14 at Widemu stores and online channels worldwide. The film’s influence is reaching even unexpected areas. Medical experts have issued warnings about a dangerous trend among children and teenagers attempting to replicate the scene of boiling ramen from the film. Dr. Colin Ryan, an expert in burns at Harvard Medical School’s Schneider Children’s Hospital, stated that his clinic treats 2 to 3 burn cases per week. Burns can result not only from extremely hot broth but also from hot water spilled during cooking, and children’s skin, being thinner and weaker than adults’, is particularly susceptible to burns. In response to this trend, a Netflix official explained the significance of these collaborations by saying, “It stems from our desire for the content to expand beyond the online world into real-world experiences as well.” A Copang Global representative also said, “These official lightsticks are a symbolic example of the integration between content and K-POP performance culture. We will continue to pursue innovations that combine physical merchandise with digital experiences to help fans around the world connect more deeply with the content going forward.”